Environment and Health

NRDC's Environment and Health Program has worked for over two decades to safeguard families and communities by reducing exposures to toxic chemicals that cause disease. And although we've seen substantial progress in public health over the past generation, certain environmentally linked diseases, such as asthma, autism, and some types of cancer have increased. To address these and other challenges, we are focused on these key areas:

Defending Scientific Integrity

Protecting health requires high-quality science that is free from conflicts of interest. NRDC scrutinizes the qualifications of scientists appointed to key government advisory boards to assure they are free from financial conflicts of interest and to uncover biases. We have persuaded major scientific journals to improve disclosure of funding sources when they publish studies. We defend independent scientists who are unjustly attacked by polluting industries because their study results threaten a lucrative chemical or product. We expose industry tactics to delay scientific assessments and regulation of chemicals of concern. NRDC scientists serve on numerous scientific advisory boards, have faculty appointments at universities, and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.

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Health Explained

Toxic chemicals in our environment, such as mercury, lead, and certain manmade chemicals, have been linked to cancer, birth defects and brain impairments. Reducing or eliminating the load of these dangerous chemicals in the products we buy, the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink can help reduce the toll of human disease and suffering.